Cathay Pacific, growing in Milan and preparing for new Aria Suites. Interview with Daniele Bordogna
Cathay Pacific was one of the first Far Eastern airlines to serve the Italian market. At Rome Fiumicino it has [...]
Cathay Pacific
Oneworld
MXP
Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific was one of the first Far Eastern airlines to serve the Italian market. Over Rome Fiumicino began flying in 1986., suspending flights due to Covid pandemic in spring 2020. In Milan Malpensa landed in 2010. and, after two and a half years of stop due to the long Chinese lockdown, Has returned to fly there in October 2022, gradually increasing the frequencies until opening the fourth weekly connection last April 5.
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That of Cathay's return 'in force' to the Italian market is important news, for connections the carrier makes available to all of East Asia and Oceania through its hub in Hong Kong and for the quality of its on-board service who has been making some for years a regular guest of the small club of companies (just 10 worldwide) that boast the prestigious 5 Skytrax Stars.
The Flight Club discussed this with Daniele Bordogna, Regional Head of Trade Sales - Europe for Cathay Pacific Airways.
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It has been a year and a half since the resumption of nonstop connections between Milan and Hong Kong: can you give us a review of these past 18 months?
"Since October 2022 we have seen a cautious recovery in traffic, also supported by connections 'beyond' Hong Kong. Eighteen months later we can say that the load factor is back to near pre-Covid levels and that all traffic segments are responding well. The 'business' one, which has always been one of our strengths, but also a quality 'leisure' one with strong demand especially to Japan, Australia, Taipei and the Philippines. Inbound, that is, to Italy, there is strong demand from China and the Hong Kong macro-region, which includes the metropolitan areas of Shenzen, Guangzhou and Macau."
When do you expect to return to 2019 levels?
"Most likely in 2025. We are seeing a great appetite for travel that is pushing up the numbers of all seven destinations we serve in Europe: London, where we operate up to five flights a day; Manchester; Frankfurt; Amsterdam; Paris; Zurich; and, of course, Milan. And as of June 16, we will also start flying from Barcelona."
How many of your passengers stop in Hong Kong and how many go on to other destinations?
"Before the pandemic about 30% of those departing from Italy had Hong Kong as the final destination."
You fly to Milan Malpensa on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with Boeing 777-300ER in three classes of service. Can you explain what product passengers find on board?
"They find a Business Class with rows of four seats each that guarantee free aisle access for every passenger. A Premium Economy cabin with eight seats per row that provide wider seating and greater 'recline' of the backrest. And finally, an Economy Class with more legroom than our competitors offer. In Business we offer menus prepared in collaboration with Hong Kong's starred restaurants, alongside 'Western' options, and so-called 'dine on demand' - the ability to lunch or dine when you prefer during the course of the flight. Dishes from Hong Kong's renowned cuisine are also on the Premium Economy and Economy menus, and we are noticing that they are enjoying considerable success. Alongside excellent culinary offerings, our guests can enjoy our entertainment system, which was awarded the best in the world by Skytrax in 2023."
Before Covid with you could also be booked in First Class, today you can't. And in Italy only two airlines fly with First Class cabins on board. Is this a market that is no longer there in our country, even for high 'rank' airlines like yours?
"Offering First Class travel gives great prestige, but it also has very high costs. After the disaster caused by the pandemic, the industry is not yet in balance, and the step-by-step approach to normalcy that we have followed and are following in reintroducing flights to Milan and other cities in Europe also applies to service classes. As an aside, it should also be said that the average level of Business Class cabins is now so high that a higher class is almost unnecessary. And that we are in the process of introducing a product like the Aria Suites that will place us at the top of the category".
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Is there an exact date for their entry into service? And will we also see them on flights to Italy?
"There is no exact date, but within the year they will definitely debut in Europe as well. We have a Business that is very popular with 'repeaters,' and we are confident that the added component of comfort and privacy that the suites will provide will further build loyalty among our frequent flyers."
Over Rome you have flown continuously for 34 years, between 1986 and 2020. But, since the end of the pandemic, you have not yet returned. Are there plans to resume connections from Fiumicino? And when?
"A precise date is not yet there. But if the upswing in demand that we have witnessed over the past two years continues, as we expect, in 2024, our return to Rome should be, most likely, by 2025."
